Multilayered Fidget Device

ABSTRACT

A multi-layered fidget device with a spinner ring component and interchangeable layers, with two or more stimuli attached to or built into an outside surface of said interchangeable layers. This device can be carried in one hand and provides tactile stimulation to aid in reducing distractibility while increasing focus and concentration for students and working professionals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stimulation device, more specifically, to a sensory stimulation device (also called a fidget device) for human beings with certain medical conditions.

Attention Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), autism spectrum disorders, acute and chronic high stress situations, and other related conditions are more publicized today than in the past and treatments for such conditions are increasingly being explored and sought after.

As ADHD is a relatively new illness to be observed, adults newly diagnosed face ridicule in the workplace as it is an illness primarily diagnosed in children. However, the Anxiety and Depression Association reports that close to 60% of adults in the United States still suffer symptoms into adulthood, which accounts for 8 million adults afflicted. See, for example, Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Adult ADHD at the website: https://www.adaa.org/wunderstand-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/adult-adhd.

Individuals with such conditions often seek extra sensory stimulation in a distractive manner (clicking pens, excessive talking) which is disruptive not only for the individual performing the action but for the surrounding classmates or coworkers. This behavior is non-conducive in the learning environment and unappreciated in certain social situations, which may lead to social ridicule, the notion that the individual is unable to conduct his or herself professionally, and thus, the loss of opportunities for the afflicted individual to successfully network and advance his or her career.

It has been shown that fidgeting increases academic performance in children with ADD and ADHD. See Sarver D R, Rapport M D, et al. Hyperactivity in the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impairing Deficit or Compensatory Behavior? Journal of Child Psychology. 2015; 43(7): 12-19 1232. The Journal of Attention Disorders also reports that a negative stigma exists among ADHD sufferers of college age among their peers. See Chew B L, Jensen S A, Rosen L A. College Student's Attitudes Towards Their ADHD Peers. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2009; 13(3): 271-276. Based on these studies, a need clearly exists for a discreet and more professional appearing fidget device that can be used in the workplace or class setting that is not juvenile nor embarrassing in appearance.

Given the current social stigma of ADHD among adults and teens and young children, it is necessary for a device to exist to assist adult men and women engaged in the professional workforce as well as teens and children learning in classrooms. A non-juvenile design and ability of silent application are vital for a stimulation device to be used in a professional setting without disturbing others in a shared space.

Known products to address fidgeting behaviors are: fidget toys of various shapes, fidget sleeves for pens and pencils, weighted fidget pads and a tactile stimulation device. However, many of these fidget devices seem to lack either: (1) a professional design, (2) a spinner ring component beyond wearable rings, or (3) variability of stimuli provided by interchangeable layers.

Current products also do not provide any options to add additional fidgets to their device in a way that does not also detract from the appearance of the original device. In the scenario that they do provide the option to attach additional fidgets, the user's only option is to use bulky attachments (such as carabiner rings) to increase variabilities of fidgets. This will impact the professional appeal of the device and will make the modified device more cumbersome to use and transport.

As two of ADHD's primary symptoms is “inattention” and “impaired memory”, the risk of misplacing or losing stimulus-inducing attachments to a fidget device is high. Thus, it is both necessary and desirable for a fidget device to have a storage component. This storage component will provide users with a convenient and secure space to keep additional fidgets when they are not in use, and will help to reduce the risk of losing them.

Therefore, a need exists for a sensory device that is discreet, lightweight, professional in appearance, capable of storing fidget components for safekeeping, with structural elements that allow a user to customize their device with a variety of interchangeable fidgets.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention is for a device that provides sensory stimulation which can be used as a calming agent for those suffering from various medical conditions and disorders including those described above. The device of the present invention addresses the tactile (touch) sensory seeking behavior and solves problems of prior art. This device also serves as a helpful tool for providing sensory stimulation to individuals with disabilities or those seeking stress relief or enhanced cognition.

This device can be easily used in any environment where the individual's hand is free, such as within the home, at school, or work. In the workplace, the device can be utilized in a non-distracting manner, such as held beside the body or under a work desk. By providing a sensory device that is non-intrusive and discreet, individuals are able to satisfy their sensory needs and focus on learning materials or projects at school, work, or at home.

Due to the device's calming effect, it can also be useful for individuals suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or other related anxiety disorders (Social anxiety) by providing stimulation that (1) serves as a subtle distraction to interrupt negative thought cycling, (2) satisfy sensory impulse seeking, and (3) release excess energy due to nervousness and irritability.

The device of the present invention is a small, hand-held cylindrical device that is designed to be discreet when used, and can be used by individuals of all ages, ranging from young children to professionals who suffer from medical conditions or stressful episodes that may be relieved by sensory stimulation.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to allow a user to access a constant source of stimulation that is discreet, easy to carry and keep track of, with the ability to change and customize the type of stimulation provided by their device at their discretion. This can be accomplished by accessing their preferred fidget layers stored within the device. By first unscrewing the lid from the storage component, a user can switch the arrangement of the fidget layers so that the preferred fidget is stacked in such a way as to be in closest proximity to the lid, so that when the lid is securely refastened, the preferred fidget is exposed through the lid's window and accessible for manipulation. Future variations of the interchangeable fidget layers developed can be used with the device, providing additional stimulation tools (such as key-ring loops, abacus rings, and beads on tracks) to be easily interchanged to the user's discretion. Stimulation variability can then be ensured, which will help to decrease the burden on users to seek and purchase separate fidget devices when desiring different types or levels of stimulations not present in the original product.

The small size and discreetness of application allows users to bring and use this device virtually anywhere, occupying the use of a single hand when used under a desk in a classroom or held by the side of the body. As it can be operated by the non-dominant hand, the user's dominant hand is free to perform other actions such as writing notes or turning pages of a book.

Utilizing this tool, individuals with disabilities will be able to expend energy in a non-distracting manner that would otherwise be used inappropriately and may result in outbursts or class disruptions. Stimulated users will then be able to concentrate on tasks such as listening to lectures, board presentations, or enjoy the capability to sit still during movies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is the top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present inventions;

FIG. 2 is the side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1 as to illustrate the proper arrangement of the device's components.

FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the device when viewing the storage component of the device that will house the interchangeable layers.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the interchangeable layer.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7-9 are preferred embodiments of the interchangeable layers.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention held in a user's hand.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right, and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

A multilayered fidget device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed in the following paragraph with references to FIGS. 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings. The multilayered fidget device includes buttons (5), a spinner ring component (8), interchangeable fidget layers (18) with different variations of stimuli/manipulations (12-18), and a storage component (9) secured by a lid (10) to hold two or more interchangeable layers within the body of the device. The lid (10) of the storage component has a circular opening that allows access to the fidget of a stored interchangeable layer that sits most proximal to the lid. To elaborate upon construction, the outer surfaces of the device will be fashioned of a strong and durable material such as but not limited to a plastic polymer, metal or woof to ensure longevity of the device and an easy to clean surface.

The multilayered device as seen FIG. 1 has buttons (5) set in a “plus” pattern and the buttons, when depressed, may or may not make a noise. The buttons are arranged to form a circular well (6) that forms an indentation at the center of the device and provides a resting place for the thumb when the device is in use. The buttons (5) may be constructed of plastic or other durable material that will allow daily use with limited wear.

The spinner ring component (8) is coupled to the multilayered device such that it sits on a base between layers and can be manipulated as to rotate the ring forward and backward. The spinner ring (8) may be constructed of a durable and light-weight material such as metal so that it may spin freely.

The storage component (9) of the device is pictured in FIG. 2 with the accompanying lid (10). In FIG. 4, the lid (10) is seen attached to the storage component (9), and through lid's opening, the stimulation surface of the interchangeable layer (18) can be seen and manipulated by a user.

FIG. 5. depicts the general structure of the interchangeable layer (18), comprising of a circular disc constructed of a durable material and exposed surface (17) on which various stimuli can be attached or build into.

FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective of how interchangeable layers (18) are stored within the device's storage component (9). The lid (10) securely fastens to the threaded portion (11) of the storage component by a screwing mechanism, such as seen with ajar and jar lid. This attachment aids in securing the interchangeable layers (18) within the storage component.

FIG. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment of a interchangeable layer (18) of the device. A protruding component made of a durable material such as metal or plastic (12), preferably arrow-shaped, is adhered to the center (13) of the surface of the interchangeable layer. The arrow's head or tail can be traced along the indented or textured track (14) by a user's finger to spin the arrow forward or backward.

FIG. 8 depicts a second preferred embodiment of an interchangeable layer (18). In this embodiment, three adjacent cogs are attached to the surface of the layer, so that when any of the cogs is manipulated by a user's finger, all the cogs will turn, providing tactile feedback to the user.

An assortment of interchangeable plates may be provided with the product, which may include tactile stimulants that include but are not limited to plastic beads, rotating plastic or metal coils, rocker switches, push buttons, rotating dials, and various textures (felt, metal, silk, wood). Interchangeable layers (18) will match the overall device design so that there will be little to no variation to the overall product dimensions. This ensures the endurance of the device by decreasing the chance of the device parts accidentally catching on exterior surfaces or fabrics and breaking.

FIG. 9 depicts a third preferred embodiment of an interchangeable layer (18). The surface of said layer is sectioned to provide at least three or more different types of textured stimuli such as silk, wood, carbon fiber, or pliable material such as gel, that are pleasing to the touch. This texture stimulus and certain embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to stimulation tools such as various textures samples of silk, felt, metal, and wood, fabrics or wood scented with calming scents such as lavender, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and chamomile. Interchangeable plates (18) may also include other relaxing devices such as aromatherapy discs scented with relaxing scents such as lavender, mint, and eucalyptus, or utility non-stimulating devices such as a timer, clock, or bottle opener.

FIG. 10 shows the device of the present invention in use. As shown, the device is sized such that it fits within the palm of the user's hand. The device will weigh between 20 to 40 grams (depending on the interchangeable layers chosen) and come in several sizes that will be optimal for use by men, women, teens, and children.

The device colors will range from neutral shades such as white, gray, and black which will be less distracting and better appreciated in the professional setting, but may also be produced in primary colors as to appeal to children.

Furthermore, the device and components thereof could be manufactured with light-weight materials such as aluminum, wood, glass, plastic, carbon fiber, and other alloy composites.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essentials characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, of which the forms are not limited except in so far as such limitations are included or otherwise indicated by the following claims of the application. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

I claim:
 1. A handheld device comprising: a plurality of plates, including a base plate and a top plate, with the plurality of plates in a stacked configuration, wherein at least one of the plates includes a stimulus-inducing member which induces a stimulus when a user engages the stimulus-inducing member.
 2. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising an engaging member for removably engaging the plates together in the stacked configuration.
 3. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of plates are interchangeable.
 4. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plates has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, a rhombus, an ellipse, and an oval.
 5. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stimulus-inducing members induces a stimulus selected from the group consisting of a texture, a color, a design, an appearance, a shape, a sound, a scent, and a type of manipulation.
 6. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plates is composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, cloth, stone, and gemstone.
 7. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the user is able to spin at least one of the plurality of plates about an axis.
 8. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a spinning member slidably coupled to an outer edge of at least one of the plates, with the spinning member sliding against the outer edge in response to user manipulation.
 9. The handheld device of claim 8, wherein the spinning member is selected from the group consisting of a texture, a color, a design, an appearance, a shape, a sound, a scent, and a type of manipulation.
 10. The handheld device of claim 8, wherein the spinning member is composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, cloth, stone, and gemstone.
 11. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising an attachment member for connecting the plurality of plates to a piece of wearable apparel of the user.
 12. An assembly comprising: a plurality of plates, including a base plate and a top plate, with the plurality of plates in a stacked configuration, wherein at least one of the plates includes a stimulus-inducing member which induces a stimulus when a user engages the stimulus-inducing member; and a handheld body having a cavity therein for removably receiving at least one of the plurality of plates.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising an engaging member for removably engaging the plates together in the stacked configuration.
 14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of plates are interchangeable.
 15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plates has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, a rhombus, an ellipse, and an oval.
 16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one of the stimulus-inducing members induces a stimulus selected from the group consisting of a texture, a color, a design, an appearance, a shape, a sound, a scent, and a type of manipulation.
 18. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising an attachment member for connecting the body to a piece of wearable apparel of the user.
 19. A method comprising: stacking a plurality of plates, including a base plate and a top plate, in a stacked configuration, with at least one of the plates includes a stimulus-inducing member; and engaging the stimulus-inducing member by the user, thereby inducing a stimulus with the user.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: positioning the stacked plates in a cavity of a body; connecting the body to an attachment member; and connecting the attachment member to a piece of wearable apparel of the user. 